A new edge was fabricated over the original coping using carbon fiberglass, resin and several coats of waterproofing. It's finished with Bisazza glass mosaic tiles.

"For something over 50 years old, the contractor thought I was nuts, but we've been able to turn an ordinary pool into a gorgeous water feature," Durie says.

Indian white granite, sandblasted to create a nonskid patio surface, surrounds the water in rhythmic bands inter-planted with Irish moss for permeability, reducing storm runoff.

"The backyard works like a giant bowl," he says. "All the paving has a 5% gradient to force rainwater into the pool, replacing evaporating water. Whatever doesn't run into the pool is soaked into the ground."